NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported Thursday that the Jets have reached an agreement with their coach on a contract extension, according to a source informed of the contract. The team later confirmed the news.

The contract includes one additional guaranteed year through 2015 and future unguaranteed years, Rapoport was told. Sources informed of the extension labeled it "window dressing," serving both as the short-term extension New York wanted while appearing, superficially, like a long-term pact for Rex.

Before Thursday, Ryan had one year left on his current deal and wasn't expected to receive the long-term agreement he coveted on the heels of an 8-8 campaign that left Gang Green out of the playoffs for a third consecutive season.

Instead, the Jets are opting for a dose of continuity, retaining the fiery leader who held the locker room together in 2013 despite season-long rumors he'd be sent packing.

It's a wise move for a Jets team that continued to shine on defense this season with a core of young talent that should allow New York to compete for years to come. It's hard to blame Ryan -- one of the game's brightest defensive minds -- for the team's milquetoast offense, wholly absent of weapons and guided by an uneven quarterback prospect in Geno Smith.

During a month that's seen too many teams reboot the machine with uninspiring coaching hires, the Jets have come to appreciate what they have in Rex.